Estense Castle

In Ferrara in 1385, a dangerous revolt convinced Niccolò II d’Este of the need to erect mighty defences for himself and his family thus the Castello di San Michele was built, a fortress erected against the people.

Its imposing proportions, its moat, its drawbridges and its towers date back to that remote period. An elevated covered passageway, which still exists, joined the military building to the marquises’ Palace, today Palazzo Municipale. Centuries went by and the risk of riots died down. And so the castle became the magnificent residence of the court and was embellished with roof terraces at the top of the towers, marble balconies, the Renaissance style courtyard (at the time fully frescoed) and sumptuous apartments. The imposing towers stand out at the four corners of the Castle, symbols of the magnificence of the Este Family: the Torre di Santa Caterina; the splendid Torre dei Leoni, from which it is possible to admire the panorama of Ferrara (you can climb to the top of it during the visit of the Castle); the Torre Marchesana; the Torre di San Paolo.(Ph. Nicola Bisi - Wikicommons)

The Estense Castle has obtained the "Quality Museum" status from Istituto per i Beni Culturali dell'Emilia-Romagna.

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Opening

9.30-17.30. The ticket office closes at 16.45.

From March to September OPEN DAILY.From October to February CLOSED ON MONDAY.April 15, 16 (Easter), 17, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29 and 30, May 1: open until 18.30.June 2nd, August 15th, November 1st, December 8th, 26th: OPENDecember 25th: CLOSED